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OPI – Gwen Stefani Collection, Textures

While the first half of this capsule collection consisted of more traditional creamier hues – albeit in a new ultra-glossy formula (previously reviewed here), the three lacquers shown here all offer more of a 3D experience with their varying finishes. Somehow, OPI has managed to perfectly capture the many sides of singer/songwriter/fashion designer/mom Gwen Stefani with these shades, at once unique, glam & just the right amount of edge.

Sophisticated glamour: another side of Gwen Stefani (source)

Love.Angel.Music.Baby. – a champagne gold hue with finely ground matching shimmer, in OPI’s new satin textured finish that feels exactly like buttery suede. Opacity was amazing for a shade this light, giving almost complete coverage by the 1st coat while falling in a totally self-levelling way. On me, this shade appears as more of an amped-up nude — and I’m 100% in love with the unique, almost ‘editorial’ tone it gave off. Note: the finish takes a few minutes to fully develop – but it’s so worth the wait. Coats applied: 2, no top coat (best worn without)

The last 2 swatches were done by first applying two coats of ‘I Sing in Color’ (previously reviewed here) and allowing it to dry completely. Using ‘Love.Angel.Music.Baby.’ to created the gilded tips, wipe off most of the polish against the neck of the bottle, then apply in an upwards motion from the nail tip – applying very little pressure. By turning the brush on its side, you can also feather it slightly higher up along the nail. Finish with top coat to form a protective and seamless finish.

OPI – Love.Angel.Music.Baby.

OPI – Love.Angel.Music.Baby. over I Sing in Color

4 In The Morning – a gunmetal hue with a pewter sheen, in OPI’s new semi-matte satin finish that has a slight overall rubberized look and bears an excellent flow to the formula, falling in a self-levelling way and leaving zero brush strokes behind. Non-staining upon removal, once again top coat would only ruin the unique tone of this lacquer. Sophisticated and futuristic at the same time, this is the perfect alternative to black. Coats applied: 2, no top coat

OPI – 4 In the Morning

In True Stefani Fashion – a clear base filled with holographic glitter in small & medium round shapes, along with larger square pieces to form an original composition. Best used for layering over other shades (especially darker hues for a stark contrast), but it can be also worn alone for a tinsel-like brilliance. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

The last 2 swatches were created by first applying two coats of ‘4 In the Morning’ and allow it to dry well (at least 15 minutes). Place a large drop of ‘In True Stefani Fashion’ on a piece of foil and using the larger head of a double-ended dotting too, apply 3 rows of evenly spaced dots along the nail lengthwise. Using the fine head of the dotting tool, finish by placing dots in between using the finer head of the dotting tool – no top coat was used.

OPI- In True Stefani Fashion

OPI – In True Stefani Fashion

OPI – In True Stefani Fashion over 4 In the Morning

In my opinion, every single one of these lacquers is a winner; Love.Angel.Music.Baby. blew me away with its stealth “cool-ness”, like adding a matte top coat over a nude gold shade — but better. 4 In the Morning is the epitome of rocker-chic and even impressed my husband (he actually noticed the finish). Glitter is not usually my thing, but by indulging in a little simple nail art, I was able to turn In True Stefani Fashion into original holographic studs – love it!

I’ll hopefully be showing the last shade of this collection, Push and Shove – a brilliant chrome hue (sold as a set with Lay Down That Base) fairly soon – stay tuned!

The OPI Gwen Stefani Collection will be available in stores early January 2014. Find more information via website/twitter/facebook

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

OPI – Gwen Stefani Collection, Crème Gloss

December 20, 2013

OPI has become somewhat synonymous with celebrity partnerships, and this latest collaboration with singer/fashion designer Gwen Stefani, is poised to hit it out of the park. This collection includes 7 new shades and 1 brand new specialized base coat, in finishes that are not only innovative in texture, but brand new for the OPI brand.

Gwen Stefani in Martin Margiela at the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala (source)

Inspired by the 2013 Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala that featured the theme “Punk: Chaos to Couture,” OPI Executive VP and Artistic Director Suzi Weiss- Fischmann decided to create a collection of lacquer celebrating the role of music as a major influence in fashion. “With her expertise as a singer, songwriter and designer, who better to collaborate with than Gwen Stefani?” asks Weiss-Fischmann. “Known for her trademark red lips, bold eye makeup and nail art, Gwen uses beauty to accessorize her style.”

The 3 crème gloss shades of this collection that I’m showing today, all have 2 things in common: a killer formula that almost applies itself, and hands down one of the glossiest finishes I’ve come across to date – top coat is really redundant with these lovelies, but I did add it for photography purposes.

NOTE: as my bottles are press samples, they did not come with the limited edition shrink wrap packaging that will be sold in stores. Colours shown are all the same, however.

OPI & Gwen Stefani

Over & Over A-Gwen (CAN $10.95) – Gwen Stefani’s signature red “nailed” (I could not resist). No one does reds quite like OPI, and this shade is as close to perfection for all red-lovers out there, as it can possibly get. Absolutely SUBLIME formula, self-levelling and über-glossy, it’s an intense hue that’s neither too orange or blue-leaning – just pure & vibrant RED. Do not skip base coat, as it can be lightly staining. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

This particular shade is available in a boxed set (CAN $18.95), which includes Swarovski black crystals and silver, gold and pewter studs in bar, square, diamond and circle shapes for creating unique nail designs, as well as nail glue for easy application

OPI – Over & Over A-Gwen

Hey Baby (CAN $10.95) – A vivid magenta pink hue that borders on the edge of appearing neon, but in a grown-up kind of way. This highly pigmented and amazing formula can almost be a 1-coater, while the application is totally self-levelling and ends in a vinyl-looking glossy finish. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

OPI – Hey Baby

I Sing in Color (CAN $10.95) – A deep eggplant hue with maroon undertones, following the same superb formula as the previous two – self levelling and ridiculously glossy natural finish. Deep, vampy, sexy and edgy, this is a fabulous alternative to dark-but-not-black nails. Do not skip base coat, as it has the potential for light staining. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

OPI – I Sing in Color

What sets these lacquers apart from the herd, is not their uniqueness of colour (we all have pink, red and burgundy/vamp shades stashed away, right?) but their formula: unbelievable easy flow and a gloss that can put a mirror to shame. I’m not particularly fond of pink tones, but I found myself not wanting to part with Hey Baby; with the dreary weather all around me, it served as a major pick-me-up. BUT THAT RED! Pictures do NOT do Over & Over A-Gwen justice: vibrant & sassy and sexy enough to start a fire — that’s the kind of red this is. My moody-hue loving heart is thoroughly sated with I Sing in Color, and it’s also the perfect backdrop for fancying up (as you’ll see in my next post!).

Stay tuned for the second half of this collection, which will showcase the three textured shades.

The OPI Gwen Stefani Collection will be available in stores early January 2014. Find more information via website/twitter/facebook

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

a-england – Ballerina Collection

December 9, 2013

I will just go on the assumption that by now, you’ve all heard of the amazing-ness of a-england lacquers – if not, then I urge you to check out my reviews of this entire range by clicking on the sidebar tab … and I challenge you to not fall instantly in love with everything.

One reason that every collection from this brand is so eagerly anticipated, lies in how founder & creative genius, Adina Bodana, manages to merge a touch of culture & history with every release. Another reason is due to the formula: perfection – in every detail, from the flow to the colours.

This capsule collection draws its inspiration from Dame Margot Fonteyn, easily recognizable as one of the world’s most unparalleled classical dance ballerinas of all time, along with that of her lifelong career partner, the incomparable Rudolf Nureyev. These four shades are all takes on this theme – as ethereal and hauntingly beautiful as that of a perfectly executed pas de deux, with an overall elegance to each that cannot be denied.

A word on the formula: while some prismatic lacquers may need a specific base and/or top coat to amplify their effect, these four a-england shades apply ridiculously easily straight from the bottle, without any visible brush strokes and all ending with a high-gloss natural finish, while top coat seems to enhance, rather than diminish their holographic-ness.

Read all about my amazing GIVEAWAY at the end of this post!

a-england ♦ Ballerina Collection

Margot Fonteyn 1919 – 1991 (source) c. 1955

Born Margaret Evelyn Hookham on May 18, 1919 to an British father and half-Irish half-Brazilian mother, she quickly rose through the ranks of the Royal Ballet School of London where by the age of 20 she had already assumed 3 leads. In 1956 she was made a Dame of the Order of the British Empire, eventually being appointed Prima Ballerina Assoluta by Queen Elizabeth II

Fonteyn – pale lavender-tinted silvery holographic hue with a slightly diffused but still linear prismatic effect. An absolutely PERFECT formula that can literally be a 1-coater, applying in a self-levelling way and ending with a glossy finish. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

a-england ♦ Fonteyn

a-england ♦ Fonteyn (with flash)

Margot Fonteyn As Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty ballet c. 1950 (source)

Her Rose Adagio – Faded rose hue filled with a scattered (yet still rather dense) prismatic effect. Bearing a slightly thinner formula than that of ‘Fonteyn’, although still ridiculously easy to apply and with the same smooth & glossy finish. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

a-england ♦ Her Rose Adagio

a-england ♦ Her Rose Adagio (with flash)

Margot Fonteyn as Odette in Swan Lake c. 1945 (source)

Encore Margot – Palest icy blue-tinted silvery holographic hue with a soft scattered prismatic effect. Cool leaning in tone and bearing a similar formula to that of ‘Her Rose Adagio’ – as well as the same amazing self-levelling & incredibly glossy application. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

a-england ♦ Encore Margot

a-england ♦ Encore Margot (with flash)

Margot Fonteyn & Rudolf Nureyev in Pelleas and Melisande c. 1969 (source)

In 1961 when Margot Fonteyn met then-unknown Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev, their rapport was instantaneous and their dance partnership has now become legendary, spanning the rest of their careers with numerous unforgettable performances. In 1962, their first full-length ballet together, Giselle, received 30 curtain calls – an unprecedented achievement

Dancing With Nureyev – Violet-blue holographic hue with a formula that can only be described as sublime: a perfect density, opacity, glossiness and self-levelling application. The prismatic effect falls mostly scattered, but with linear hints as well – especially along the perimeter of the nails. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

a-england ♦ Dancing With Nureyev

a-england ♦ Dancing With Nureyev (with flash)

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being of ballerina (and a mermaid, and a princess), so anything classical-dance related has always had the ability to completely captivate me. The four shades of this latest a-england collection manage to make even the often-extravagantly flashy finish of holographic polish, appear elegant, sophisticated, and eminently wearable – at times as delicate as tulle, at others radiating a brilliant intensity as that of stage lights. I may never be a prima ballerina, but I will revel in wearing this magic across my fingers. Applause, welcome.

The a-england Ballerina Collection is available now. Find more information on this brand via website/twitter/facebook/Instagram

GIVEAWAY!

Enter to win one (1) entire set of this a-england Ballerina Collection by the following:

Send an email to ommorphiagiveaway@gmail.com
Write Ballerina in the subject line
Include your full name & address information in the body of the email (all kept strictly confidential)

This giveaway is OPEN INTERNATIONALLY and limited to one entry per person – duplicate entries will be automatically discarded. The contest will run from today (Monday, December 9th, 2013) until Monday (December 16th, 2013) 11:00 pm EST, after which one (1) winner shall be chosen and notified via email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond/confirm, after which a new name/winner will be drawn. All entrants must be of legal age (18) to enter and failure to comply with any of the above rules will result in elimination. Neither myself nor my blog are responsible for any product damages that may be incurred during shipping.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

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Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel – Autumn Spice & Italian Leather

December 5, 2013

*Congratulations to Kim, winner of the Schwarzkopf BC Fibre Force Hairtherapy giveaway (now closed)

There’s a retro glamour to be had with this new range of lacquers from Revlon, Parfumerie™ Scented Nail Enamel, that makes them so display-worthy. Starting with the rectangular jewel-like bevelled glass bottles to the rounded cap, the two shades (as well as scents) that drew me, were Autumn Spice and Italian Leather.

You should note that in order to fully appreciate each shade’s scent, you need to apply it and let it dry down – simply opening the bottle and taking a whiff will definitely not help. Even through the addition of top coat, the fragrance was still able to come through. Lasting power of each scent will vary, but of the two here, Autumn Spice is definitely stronger-scented and held on longer, going easily a full 4 days before it began to fade.

A quick word about the wand & brush – while a shorter length overall than conventional polish wands, I experience no difficulty at all in application. The brush has a good flexibility too, without being either too densely or sparsely bristled and I initially believed that the little knob cap would be tricky to grasp, it turns out to be a convenient size after all.

Revlon Parfumerie™ Scented Nail Enamel – Italian Leather & Autumn Spice

#100 Autumn Spice (CAN $8.99) – A dark brown/russet base hue that’s loaded with bronze, copper & pink irregularly shaped micro glitter pieces. There’s a definitive multi-tonal effect going on here and there even seems to be a duo chrome look at certain angles, with the occasional flash of oxidized colour – so much to see from this one shade! Bearing an excellent flow and colour saturation, as well as a self-levelling glossy finish, there’s the added bonus of a non-staining removal. The overall effect of the shimmer, is as though it’s coming up from the depth of the colour and simmering just at the surface level – exquisite! Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Fragrance: if Autumn were a scent, THIS would be it – cinnamon, clove, and amber-like tones seems to dominate, with slight hints of incense and smoke to round it out.

Revlon Parfumerie™ – Autumn Spice

#130 Italian Leather (CAN $8.99) – A sage/lichen green base hue filled with a gold, bronze & copper finely ground shimmer. The formula was a touch thinner than that of Autumn Spice, but still easy to apply and with an excellent opacity. Self-levelling and quite glossy at the finish, the shimmer really comes alive when seen in direct light, giving a unique glow to the centre of the nails – but which otherwise stays in the background, serving to add a touch of overall depth to this shade. Non-staining upon removal, coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Fragrance: So hard to pin down, but there’s an airy, almost woodsy tone that I pick up – without it coming off as either too floral, green, or herbal. After it has developed for a bit, I did manage to get some leathery hints, even pulling out my favourite Gucci purse to compare – yup, definitely some luxe italian leather going on here.

Revlon Parfumerie™ – Italian Leather

From my understanding, this range is to be part of the permanent lineup of Revlon products – good news if you haven’t come across them yet, or have come across an almost empty display. There are apparently 16 shades in all and I believe they are divided into separate scent categories, although to be honest, I didn’t stop to properly note them – I was too busy trying to make my selection. Overall, I am very impressed with the formula & finish of the 2 I did choose, and these particular scents are so totally me. Now I’m kicking myself for not having picked up a few more … I’m guessing another shopping trip is in my near future …

I found these Revlon Parfumerie shades at Jean Coutu (Québec).

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OPI – Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 Mini Gift Sets

December 3, 2013

With Christmas only 22 days away (I KNOW, right?!) now is the perfect opportunity to snag a few of these OPI limited edition mini’s to stuff in your lacquer-aficionado’s stocking. Then again, you may just want to treat yourself!

The 4-pack/Mini Holiday Hits gift set (CAN $14.95) offers a crème, a shimmer and 2 micro glitters.

The 3-Pack/Mini Liquid Sand gift sets (CAN $12.50) each offers a selection of the limited edition Liquid Sand shades.

Find detailed swatches of all the Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 shades, including the Liquid Sand lacquers, on my following posts:

OPI – The Reds

OPI – The Sparklers

OPI – Liquid Sand

OPI Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 – Four Mini Holiday Hits

OPI Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 – Liquid Sand Holiday Minis

The beauty of these Mini gift sets, is that they are a great way to pick up (and try) several of the limited edition OPI Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 shades, without spending a fortune. I personally can’t remember the last time I actually finished an entire bottle of nail polish (base/top coats don’t count), and if you’re anything like me, then this is another good reason to go for the smaller sizes: you may just get to use them up. Completely. Then again, you’d be surprised at how much these little babies hold.

The OPI Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 Collection and Mini gift sets are limited and available now. For all updates, feel free to follow via website/twitter/facebook